Alternative Practice

• Naturopathy, an alternative practice to traditional medicine, is not accepted in the majority of traditional medical practices.
  
  

Definition

• Naturopathic doctors are trained to evaluate an individual as a whole, combining physical, mental/emotional, spiritual, social and other factors, as they teach patients to assume personal responsibility for their health. Naturopathy believes that drugs cover up the symptoms, driving illness deeper into the body, causing a toxic buildup.
  
  

Typical Visit

• A Naturopathic doctor ( N.D.) spends the first part of the appointment discussing lifestyle and nutritional habits with the client, sometimes using bioenergic testing or other methods such as Kinesiology to evaluate the physical body. An N.D. spends an average of one to three hours with a client, who will leave with a list of supplements designed specifically for their condition.
  
  

Warning

• Naturopathy is not covered under insurance, although some health insurance companies such as United Health Care are paying for a few therapies.
  
  

Time Frame

• Naturopathy uses herbal medicine, which could take eight weeks or more before feeling results; with prescription drugs, relief usually is within 24 hours.
  
  

Potential

• Many medical doctors practice a combination of naturopathic and traditional medicine. The patient can reap the benefit of using their health insurance for the medical visit and discussing with the N.D. possible herbal treatments for their condition.